CITY OF MALOLOS - Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado on Saturday led the inspection of the fireworks stores while campaigning on a massive information drive on the implementation of Executive Order No. 28, which strictly regulates the use of fireworks in the country.

Alvarado together with Vice Gov. Daniel R. Fernando and members of Provincial Pyrotechnics Regulatory Board and Task Force Paputok including the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire inspected the rows of fireworks stalls in Bgy. Turo in Bocaue dubbed as the “Fireworks Capital” of the country.

Alvarado, who is the chairman of PPRB, said it is important to explain to the people the use of fireworks and their responsibility in using such.

He also said that pyrotechnics are allowed and some firecrackers are not banned but only regulated and under the EO 28 should have to be used in a proper venue designated and supervised by the local government.

The governor also asked local stakeholders to police their ranks as he disclosed that the government intends to help boost the local fireworks industry and make it highly competitive in the global market through safe and quality products.

The governor and vice governor took turns in urging dealers not to sell imported and killer types of firecrackers like “piccolo” which is the prime cause of injuries during the holiday season. They also asked dealers not to sell products made by clandestine shops.

“Bawal na ang pagtitinda sa mga kalsada at mga mga tulay. Hindi na sila papayagan ngayon para maiwasan ang disgrasya, they have to follow the law because no one is above the law” he said.

Engr. Celso C. Cruz, chairman emeritus of the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. (PPMDAI), said that their group has long been calling the attention of law enforcers and other government officials to make a no-nonsense crackdown on smuggled and dangerous types of firecrackers.

“Everybody knows that Piccolo is banned. We are not engaged in its production, It is being smuggled into the country and year after year every time it causes harm, our group is always being dragged in the mess. There are many types of safe noisemakers and pyrotechnics that people can choose,” he said.

He is also thankful upon disclosing that the Department of Science and Technology allotted P8M to the fireworks industry to train scientists and have them study and become experts to adapt to the international standards.

Cruz also clarified that under EO28, the banned types of firecrackers are still the same.

“The law states that the ingredients for firecrackers should not exceed 200mg. If it exceed it is oversized and banned,” he said.

On the other hand, Joven Ong, owner of Dragon Fireworks and President of the Philippine Fireworks Association, blamed the media for misinforming the public on the provisions of EO 28.